Ellie Goldberg retires from Maine Children’s Alliance

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Elinor Goldberg

April 28, 2011 5:29 pm

Elinor Goldberg has retired from her position as executive vice president of the Maine Children’s Alliance. Her retirement became effective Thursday, 17 years after she was named to lead the political advocacy organization for children and families.

Goldberg served as the organization’s president and CEO from April 1994 through July 2009, when she was named executive vice president. She is widely considered one of Maine’s most effective child advocates, known for her personal touch and dedication as much as for giving Maine’s children a voice in the halls of the State House and on the federal level, according to a statement from Maine Children’s Alliance president and CEO Dean Crocker.

“Ellie is leaving all of us at MCA an incredible legacy,” Crocker said. “She has been at various times my employee, my boss, my mentor and a great friend. I can say for myself and for the Board of Directors that we fully appreciate the gift she has been to MCA and to Maine’s children, and I wish her many years of new challenges ahead.”

Before joining the Maine Children’s Alliance, Goldberg spent 25 years providing direct services for children and families, working in child welfare case management, substance abuse counseling and community organizing.

Under her leadership, MCA became a powerful advocate for children in Maine, resulting in a long list of victories for children and their families including:

Expansion of the state’s Medicaid program to include the Children’s Health Insurance Program, formerly known as “Cub Care.”

The annual Kids Count data report, considered an essential resource for state and federal policymakers.

The statewide expansion of school-based health clinics with coverage from private insurance companies.

Goldberg’s work on behalf of children and families has been recognized with numerous state and national awards.

She plans to continue working in a volunteer capacity on federal issues involving children.